5.2 PTR Zone Preview: Isle of Giants, Isle of the Thunder King

The 5.2 PTR opened up today, and while it's still a work in progress, we have some visual previews of the new zones for you!

The Isle of Giants is a small tropical isle to the north of Kun-Lai Summit that features the new world boss, Oondasta, a troll dinosaur.

The Isle of the Thunder King is able to be explored in an incomplete scenario form. Edit: as of 1/3, these scenarios have been locked, most likely to fix some bugs. This is the location for the new 5.2 raid, new quest hubs featuring the Kirin Tor Offensive and Sunreaver Onslaught, a new world boss, a Lightning Forge used to craft weapons with distinctive or formerly-removed models, and a Shipyard, Main Courtyard, and Treasure Room.

Lore and I tried to run the two new scenarios available, To the Skies and Take Down This Wall!, but they were pretty buggy. We were able to explore the surroundings though and get some pictures. Edit: These scenarios have been locked on 1/3 to players, so hopefully they'll be open soon and completely fixed.

Here's what we can expect in that zone:

Blizzard

Here players can join the assault to conquer Emperor Lei Shen's island stronghold, unlock new questlines and daily quest hubs, participate in special events, earn the right to visit the fabled Treasure Room, lay claim an arsenal of powerful Mogu artifacts for their faction, and more.

Each faction's finest are spearheading the assault: the Kirin-Tor Offensive led by Jaina Proudmoore and the Sunreaver Onslaught led by Lor'themar Theron. Earning reputation with these new factions offers heroes the opportunity to receive new quests and reputation rewards, including powerful items and an intimidating new mount.

After both the Alliance and the Horde have eked out a foothold on the isle, players can choose to perform quests that are PvE or PvP focused. PvP quests will direct players against opposing faction NPCs, but slaying opposing players will grant credit as well.

As the heroes conquer the Isle, they will unlock the powerful Lightning Forge, which will allow Blacksmiths to forge mighty raid-worthy items, as well as classic weapons from the past.

Players on the PTR can teleport to the Isle of the Thunder King at their faction shrines in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. While the Isle of the Thunder King will be unlocked progressively by each realm based on participation in the war effort, initially only some of the Isle’s features will be unlocked. Future updates will include the Shipyard and the Main Courtyard. Some features, including the Treasure Room, will not yet be available.

After the Isle of the Thunder King has been conquered, the gate guardian of the Thunder King's citadel will appear: Nalak, the Storm Lord. Players will frequently have the opportunity to test their mettle against him.

Comment by kellbyb

Comment by vindurza

i always wondered what was off the coast of towlong steppes now we know

Comment by spayder

on 2013-01-05T17:08:11-06:00

loks very nice :)

Comment by alan10h53

on 2013-01-05T17:12:19-06:00

a Lightning Forge used to craft unobtainable weapons

used to craft unobtainable weapons

craft unobtainable weapons

That doesn't make any sense.

You will probably need Unobtanium to craft it, and its very difficult to find. First you have to go to Pandora and kill some na'vi to have it.

Comment by Blirf

on 2013-01-06T23:36:38-06:00

Looks great, would be cool to unlock the raid gates as a realm like AQ.

Comment by Ennma

on 2013-01-07T03:14:05-06:00

Looks amazing,looking forward to it as well,isent it for the fact this is going to be overrun by players completely. Daily quest central ect,kinda ruins the idea of being able to explore a new place through quests. Besides that,spooky! I like! Its something I miss in WoW.

Comment by DemobboyX

on 2013-01-10T00:42:11-06:00

So are we looking at another zone like the firelands?

Comment by Sunreaver

on 2013-01-11T13:26:31-06:00

As the heroes conquer the Isle, they will unlock the powerful Lightning Forge, which will allow Blacksmiths to forge mighty raid-worthy items, as well as classic weapons from the past.

More info on this - yes please!

Comment by Adamsm

on 2013-01-11T13:56:31-06:00

So are we looking at another zone like the firelands?

More like the Isle of Quel'danas.

Comment by Arcanefall

on 2013-01-20T06:57:38-06:00

Is it possible to do a premade 90 in ptr and does it come with full enchanting and jc etc..? please reply to me :)

Comment by sorenjohnk

on 2013-03-19T06:01:13-05:00

Isle of giants, lots of loots. Get an idea of which creatures to kill for fast eggs/bones. Also shows some of the pets.